Wet 'n' Wild - 9 Exhilarating Activities in New Zealand

Use up your 9 lives with 9 of the best activities for maximum drenching and exhilaration.

1. SLEDGING ON THE KAITUNA RIVER – ROTORUA

This one is not for the faint-hearted. But, if you are over 15 years old, can swim well and could run the 100m without having a coronary, then you are deemed fit to hop onto your purpose-built sledge. Bump and grind through the white waters of the Kaituna River with your pack of fellow nutters.

Kaituna River, Rotorua © Destination Rotorua

2. GIBBSTON VALLEY CANYONING – QUEENSTOWN

For ages 10 plus, this is the maxed-out version of a water park. Get kitted up in your helmet, harness and wetsuit and start traversing the stony rock faces. Plunge into the churning pools and abseil through the cascading waterfalls. You’ll be wet, hungry and exhausted but nothing else is quite like it.

Cayoning near Queenstown © Destination Queenstown

3. WAIMARINO ADVENTURE PARK – TAURANGA

Enjoy launching the person who pushed ahead of you in the queue way off into the stratosphere when you leap down onto ‘The Blob’ inflatable cushion out on the lake. But beware… you are next to be catapulted into the water. They also have a rock-climbing wall, warm pools, a hydro slide, Tarzan swings, pedalos, a floating trampoline, kayaks, paddleboards, a gladiator pole, volleyball and a low ropes course.

4. SNORKELLING AT GOAT ISLAND MARINE RESERVE – TE HĀWERE-A- MAKI/GOAT ISLAND – LEIGH

Goat Island was established in 1975 as New Zealand's first marine reserve. It is now a rich ecological area teeming with fish and all you have to do to see them up close and personal is don your togs and hop in. For the full immersive experience, hire some snorkel gear nearby.

Snorkelling near Goat Island, Auckland © Camilla Rutherford

5. DIVING AT POOR KNIGHTS – TUTUKĀKĀ

This subtropical reef system presents a stunning diversity of sea life and can be dived all year round. Beneath the waters you’ll also find the world’s largest sea cave, Rikoriko, reputed to have hidden a marauding Japanese submarine during World War II.

6. WHITE-WATER RAFTING – MURCHISON

While there are a multitude of places to try, rafting in the breathtaking Buller Gorge is a choice pick. Smash through the legendary Earthquake Rapids, the section of the Buller River with the most white water.

7. RERE ROCKSLIDE – GISBORNE

Choose your mode: for superfast, a bodyboard is key. The old faithful tyre is an oldie but a goodie and the blow-up mattress is great for a duo run. The inflatable dingy is slow but makes for a softer landing and can be loaded up to transport your whole gang down this slippery rockface.

8. BLACK-WATER 4-HOUR ADVENTURE TOUR – WAITOMO CAVES

An incredibly fun, jam-packed four hours of abseiling, black-water rafting, caving and climbing. You do get a tea break though. And drifting along in an inner tube, gazing up at glowworms is a special experience to be cherished.

9. SEA KAYAKING – ABEL TASMAN NATIONAL PARK

Rent your own or book a guided tour from Kaiteriteri Beach. Exploring the crystal-clear waters and golden sand coastline will make you feel like a castaway, with plenty of coves, lagoons and interesting nooks and crannies to explore. You may even luck in and encounter dolphins, penguins and seals.

Sea Kayaking – Abel Tasman National Park © AbelTasman.com

Looking for a place to stay? Book accommodation at aa.travel.co.nz